Abuja: The National Population Commission (NPC) says situational data mapping is essential to understanding the challenges faced by children with disabilities and to developing sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions for them. The Chairman of NPC, Mr. Nasir Kwarra, stated this during the launch of the Ojay Ajaifia Foundation for Children with Disabilities (OFCD) in Abuja, an event dedicated to promoting inclusion.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, OFCD is committed to creating inclusive opportunities and amplifying the voices of children with disabilities across Nigeria. The foundation focuses on addressing the needs, rights, and empowerment of these children through various advocacy and support initiatives. Kwarra, represented by the Deputy Director of Civil Registration and Statistics, Mr. Yusuf Saka, emphasized that children with disabilities in Nigeria often encounter significant barriers to education, healthcare, and inclusion.
Kwarra highlighted that data mapping can help identify these barriers and develop targeted innovations. He noted that the NPC's mandate includes gathering data related to births, deaths, disabilities, and demographic characteristics. With the tools to capture data on children with disabilities, accurate data can help identify priority areas, allocate resources, build inclusive programs and policies, and measure progress and long-term impact. He urged collaboration and commitment in harnessing the power of data to build a more inclusive society for children with disabilities in Nigeria.
The founder of OFCD, Mrs. Ojay Ajaifia, pointed out that children with disabilities are often hidden, unheard, and unsupported, facing multiple layers of stigma, systemic neglect, and social rejection. She expressed a powerful belief that every child, regardless of disability, deserves dignity, opportunity, visibility, hope, and a chance to thrive. The foundation aims to ignite a movement for change, recognizing every child with a disability as a star that can rise and shine brightly with support.
Ajaifia called on the government to enforce existing accessibility policies for persons with disabilities, noting that many public facilities lack necessary infrastructure such as ramps and accessible toilets. She emphasized that schools, hospitals, and public buildings must become accessible and that government enforcement is crucial for every new construction to include inclusive features.
The foundation is launching its data mapping program due to the lack of current accurate data, as most children included in the previous census have now grown into adulthood. Ms. Lois Auta, founder of Cedar Seed Foundation, highlighted the importance of education, enablement, empowerment, and encouragement in shaping the future of children with disabilities in Nigeria. She urged the government to allocate specific budget lines for inclusive infrastructure and services, particularly under the Federal Ministry of Education.
Ms. Onyinyechi Eberegu, a polio survivor, shared her story of overcoming discrimination and becoming her family's first graduate. She encouraged parents not to give up on children with disabilities, emphasizing that disability is not a death sentence but a different way of living. With love, support, and the right environment, every child with a disability can thrive and lead a life full of purpose, pride, and dignity.